„Absolutely Charming! / Isn’t It Romantic (2019)” directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson unfolds a captivating romantic comedy, injecting a clever and satirical twist into the time-honored conventions of the genre. The film follows the escapades of Natalie, a New York City architect skillfully portrayed by the talented Rebel Wilson. Natalie, averse to anything overly sentimental, finds herself abruptly thrust into a world that mirrors the perfect setups of romantic comedies.
The narrative commences with Natalie’s relentless pursuit of acknowledgment in her professional realm. Instead of sketching architectural wonders, she finds herself confined to the mundane tasks of brewing coffee and assembling sandwiches. To compound her challenges, an ordinary mugging takes an extraordinary turn, and she awakens in the hospital only to realize that her reality has metamorphosed into a romantic comedy, with her thrust into the role of the protagonist.
Rebel Wilson infuses her character, Natalie, with her trademark comedic brilliance, portraying a self-professed cynic forced to navigate the surreal and ostensibly nightmarish landscape of a romantic comedy. Strauss-Schulson adeptly weaves humor and satire as Natalie grapples with the clichés and absurdities inherent in the genre.
In this alternate reality, every facet of Natalie’s life undergoes a complete transformation. The cityscape evolves into a picturesque panorama, her apartment morphs into a chic and glamorous haven, and even her canine companion appears to have undergone a stylish makeover. The film astutely plays with the conventions of romantic comedies, offering a witty and comical take on the standard elements found in these feel-good films.
As Natalie endeavors to make sense of her newfound existence, she encounters an array of charming and archetypal characters. Liam Hemsworth takes on the role of Blake, the impossibly dashing and debonair love interest, while Adam Devine assumes the character of Josh, Natalie’s closest confidant who suddenly sees her through a different lens. These characters, along with others in the film, serve as both sources of comedic relief and conduits for the film’s astute commentary on romantic clichés.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its self-awareness, deftly deconstructing the formulaic nature of romantic comedies. The screenplay, crafted by Erin Cardillo, Dana Fox, and Katie Silberman, brims with sharp and clever dialogue that playfully mocks the genre’s predictability. Natalie’s journey becomes a meta-commentary on the often contrived and formulaic nature of romantic narratives, providing the audience with an amusing and contemplative viewing experience.
Strauss-Schulson’s direction adds a visually compelling layer to the film. The juxtaposition between Natalie’s ordinary reality and the hyper-stylized world of romantic comedies is visually arresting. The use of vibrant colors, dreamlike cinematography, and meticulously choreographed scenes enhances the overall aesthetic appeal, effectively immersing the audience in the fantastical realm crafted by the filmmakers.
The film’s soundtrack also plays a pivotal role in establishing the mood, seamlessly blending timeless romantic melodies with a contemporary twist. The music complements the narrative, amplifying the emotional nuances and contributing an additional dimension to the film’s satirical examination of romantic clichés.
As Natalie navigates through this romantic comedy labyrinth, the film explores themes of self-discovery, self-love, and the significance of embracing one’s authentic self. The character arc is simultaneously heartening and comically entertaining as Natalie learns to find beauty in imperfections and appreciate the unpredictability inherent in genuine relationships.
„Isn’t It Romantic” triumphs not just as a parody but as an affectionate tribute to the genre it humorously dissects. The film adeptly balances humor and sincerity, providing a novel perspective on love and relationships while delivering laughs consistently. Rebel Wilson’s magnetic performance, coupled with the film’s sharp writing and stylish direction, positions it as a standout contribution to the romantic comedy genre.
In summary, „Isn’t It Romantic” warrants attention from both enthusiasts and skeptics of romantic comedies. It skillfully deconstructs the genre while maintaining a genuine fondness for the charm and allure that make romantic films beloved. With its engaging storyline, stellar performances, and stylish execution, Todd Strauss-Schulson’s film stands out as an enchanting and entertaining addition to the realm of romantic comedies.
reżyseria | Todd Strauss-Schulson |
scenariusz | Erin Cardillo, Dana Fox |
gatunek | Komedia |
produkcja | USA |
premiera | 13 lutego 2019 (Światowa) 28 lutego 2019 (Polska premiera) |
boxoffice | $48 791 187 w USA |
budżet | $31 000 000 |
na podstawie | Erin Cardillo (materiały do scenariusza, historia) |
studio | Bron Studios / Netflix / New Line Cinema |
tytuł oryg. | Isn't It Romantic |